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Testimonials

Foundation House is an awesome place and it has been the right program for my 19 year old son. When I first visited the website while searching for a transition facility for my son following his 70 days in wilderness therapy, I was drawn to the “foxhole” mentality. All I can say is that the “foxhole” is real and it has worked. I believed that my son would have a much greater chance at sobriety if he was surrounded by like-minded young men and was able to develop a strong sober network. This is exactly what happened. Between 12-step work, group and individual therapy, participation in athletic activities, weekend camping trips and numerous other activities, my son has been part of an extremely well designed program to aid his recovery. Portland is a great New England town and Foundation House is walking distance to employment and education opportunities that my son has been able to utilize. There is also a very strong Foundation House alumni network in Portland if my son decides to stay in the area after leaving the program. Foundation House has been a blessing. It has been the right placed for my son while the Family Workshop weekend and weekly family group calls have made it the right place for my wife and me. I could not give it a higher recommendation. Chris C. Arnold, MD Parent of Foundation House Resident 2017

“Foundation House has been a blessing”

Foundation House is an awesome place and it has been the right program for my 19 year old son. When I first visited the website while searching for a transition facility for my son following his 70 days in wilderness therapy, I was drawn to the “foxhole” mentality. All I can say is that the “foxhole” is real and it has worked.

I believed that my son would have a much greater chance at sobriety if he was surrounded by like-minded young men and was able to develop a strong sober network. This is exactly what happened. Between 12-step work, group and individual therapy, participation in athletic activities, weekend camping trips and numerous other activities, my son has been part of an extremely well designed program to aid his recovery. Portland is a great New England town and Foundation House is walking distance to employment and education opportunities that my son has been able to utilize. There is also a very strong Foundation House alumni network in Portland if my son decides to stay in the area after leaving the program.

Foundation House has been a blessing. It has been the right placed for my son while the Family Workshop weekend and weekly family group calls have made it the right place for my wife and me. I could not give it a higher recommendation.

Twenty-one months ago, our lives were rocked on a Sunday afternoon. Today we feel incredibly blessed and owe boundless gratitude to Foundation House. The story I could share – our family story; my son’s story; my story – is personal of course but would likely sound hauntingly familiar to others reading, possibly to you. The phone rings. Life spirals. The helplessness is so overwhelming it’s deafening. Our son started his journey in a wilderness rehabilitation program 8 hours from home. I will never forget the pain of hugging him goodbye and driving away into the black night. A few months later, it was time to decide where our son would live as he began the recovery phase. We were in unchartered territory once again and all I can say is how fortunate I truly feel to have learned about Foundation House. Foundation House is a community; a culture; a family. There are peers who befriend and confront you; staff who nurture and challenge you; and alumni who understand and guide you. Our son once said, “Patrick has cornered the market on recovery programs.” I believe that’s true. Our son was able to experience life in a different way – a healthy way, a sober way, and most importantly in a FUN way. He matured a great deal at Foundation House during his 9-month stay and became extremely close to several of the guys. In fact, six months after returning home, he asked for a plane ticket back to Maine and Foundation House so he could attend “group”, hang at The Foxhole, eat at his favorite neighborhood breakfast place, play ball at the gym, and likely walk the cobblestone streets that I feel sure helped ground him. I asked my son today what comes to mind when he thinks about Foundation House. He immediately replied, “[It] helped me learn to live the life I was meant to and to enjoy the things I love in life again.” It seems to me that his words are the best testimonial of all. As his mother, I can share that recovery has certainly taught me to be present … to be where my feet are … and to ask for strength for my son and our family “just for today”. But if weren’t for Foundation House, I’m not sure we would have made it to this day. I’m the first to admit that everyone’s situation is different, but if you reading this, I wholeheartedly urge you to find out more – and I wish you strength for THIS day. Allison B. Birmingham, AL Parent of Foundation House Resident 2016

“We were in unchartered territory once again and all I can say is how fortunate I truly feel to have learned about Foundation House.”

Twenty-one months ago, our lives were rocked on a Sunday afternoon. Today we feel incredibly blessed and owe boundless gratitude to Foundation House. The story I could share – our family story; my son’s story; my story – is personal of course but would likely sound hauntingly familiar to others reading, possibly to you. The phone rings. Life spirals. The helplessness is so overwhelming it’s deafening.

Our son started his journey in a wilderness rehabilitation program 8 hours from home. I will never forget the pain of hugging him goodbye and driving away into the black night. A few months later, it was time to decide where our son would live as he began the recovery phase. We were in unchartered territory once again and all I can say is how fortunate I truly feel to have learned about Foundation House.

Foundation House is a community; a culture; a family. There are peers who befriend and confront you; staff who nurture and challenge you; and alumni who understand and guide you. Our son once said, “Patrick has cornered the market on recovery programs.” I believe that’s true. Our son was able to experience life in a different way – a healthy way, a sober way, and most importantly in a FUN way. He matured a great deal at Foundation House during his 9-month stay and became extremely close to several of the guys. In fact, six months after returning home, he asked for a plane ticket back to Maine and Foundation House so he could attend “group”, hang at The Foxhole, eat at his favorite neighborhood breakfast place, play ball at the gym, and likely walk the cobblestone streets that I feel sure helped ground him.

I asked my son today what comes to mind when he thinks about Foundation House. He immediately replied, “[It] helped me learn to live the life I was meant to and to enjoy the things I love in life again.” It seems to me that his words are the best testimonial of all. As his mother, I can share that recovery has certainly taught me to be present … to be where my feet are … and to ask for strength for my son and our family “just for today”. But if weren’t for Foundation House, I’m not sure we would have made it to this day. I’m the first to admit that everyone’s situation is different, but if you reading this, I wholeheartedly urge you to find out more – and I wish you strength for THIS day.

When my son entered Foundation House last October, he’d been 2 months in intense rehab, a few weeks at another sober living community in Florida, and had just lost his father to a massive heart attack. He was only 19 and needless to say, I was worried about his emotional wellbeing as well as his sobriety and wanted him to be in a community where he could find support, companionship, guidance and the tools to help him move forward to a life he could be proud of. Foundation House provided all of that and then some. The team, as well as residents, were there for him every step of the way, and when he came home he had a confidence I hadn’t seen before. He’s been sober for over 13 months now, and is enrolled in college for the fall. If it hadn’t been for his experience at FH, I’m not certain he would be where he is today. Thank you, Patrick, Woody and the rest of the staff. It’s great to have my son back. Annie M. Portsmouth, NH Parent of Foundation House Resident 2016-2017

“If it hadn’t been for his experience at FH, I’m not certain he would be where he is today.”

When my son entered Foundation House last October, he’d been 2 months in intense rehab, a few weeks at another sober living community in Florida, and had just lost his father to a massive heart attack. He was only 19 and needless to say, I was worried about his emotional wellbeing as well as his sobriety and wanted him to be in a community where he could find support, companionship, guidance and the tools to help him move forward to a life he could be proud of. Foundation House provided all of that and then some. The team, as well as residents, were there for him every step of the way, and when he came home he had a confidence I hadn’t seen before. He’s been sober for over 13 months now, and is enrolled in college for the fall. If it hadn’t been for his experience at FH, I’m not certain he would be where he is today. Thank you, Patrick, Woody and the rest of the staff. It’s great to have my son back.

After several attempts at rehabilitation, it became obvious to us that our son was very sick and needed more help than we could provide. We had heard about Foundation House and Patrick through friends at Al-Anon and convinced Rob to try life in Portland. The program gave him back his dignity and he was able to work on his recovery under the guidance of caring professionals who truly became part of his (and our) family. After 11 months in the program, Rob is now sharing an apartment in Portland with two FH buddies, and they are all part of the extended FH alumni family. We thank God every day that we found Foundation House. You gave us our son back! Deb & Dom A. Parents of Foundation House Resident 2012-13

“Gave him back his dignity”

After several attempts at rehabilitation, it became obvious to us that our son was very sick and needed more help than we could provide. We had heard about Foundation House and Patrick through friends at Al-Anon and convinced Rob to try life in Portland. The program gave him back his dignity and he was able to work on his recovery under the guidance of caring professionals who truly became part of his (and our) family. After 11 months in the program, Rob is now sharing an apartment in Portland with two FH buddies, and they are all part of the extended FH alumni family. We thank God every day that we found Foundation House. You gave us our son back!

As parents, choosing Foundation House for our son was the best decision we ever made. The staff was committed 24hrs/7days to his recovery. Through the programs and activities, we witnessed an amazing transformation of our son from a life addicted to drugs, to a life of peace and contentment. This was nothing short of a miracle. As he moves on from Foundation House to the community, we find comfort and strength in knowing he is joining the hundreds of Foundation House Alumni and a shared camaraderie. Brian & Joyce L. Parents of Foundation House Resident 2012

“An amazing transformation of our son”

As parents, choosing Foundation House for our son was the best decision we ever made. The staff was committed 24hrs/7days to his recovery. Through the programs and activities, we witnessed an amazing transformation of our son from a life addicted to drugs, to a life of peace and contentment. This was nothing short of a miracle. As he moves on from Foundation House to the community, we find comfort and strength in knowing he is joining the hundreds of Foundation House Alumni and a shared camaraderie.

My son was a troubled teen and in need of a positive direction in his life when he came to Foundation House. He is a smart student and talented athlete who lost his way and became addicted to pain killers following two surgeries in one year from athletic injuries. He had simply lost his way and lost his motivation. When he entered Foundation House he immediately bonded with the other guys and felt welcome. The counselors are amazing and have been a great help and support system through his journey. He became involved in healthy activities such as hiking, flag football and softball. He opened up his mind to a whole new world and became more tolerant of others. He developed life-long friendships that were stronger than any other friendships that he had in the past. He also returned to college and is a top student. My husband and I are forever grateful for the guidance that Foundation House provided and feel so fortunate that our son participated in the program. Robyn J. Phoenix, Arizona Parent of Foundation House Resident 2012

“The counselors are amazing and have been a great help”

My son was a troubled teen and in need of a positive direction in his life when he came to Foundation House. He is a smart student and talented athlete who lost his way and became addicted to pain killers following two surgeries in one year from athletic injuries. He had simply lost his way and lost his motivation. When he entered Foundation House he immediately bonded with the other guys and felt welcome. The counselors are amazing and have been a great help and support system through his journey. He became involved in healthy activities such as hiking, flag football and softball. He opened up his mind to a whole new world and became more tolerant of others. He developed life-long friendships that were stronger than any other friendships that he had in the past. He also returned to college and is a top student. My husband and I are forever grateful for the guidance that Foundation House provided and feel so fortunate that our son participated in the program.

Foundation House provided my son with just what he needed. He moved in following 2 months in wilderness therapy where he had reset himself both physically and spiritually. Then Foundation House experience perfectly supported his transition back into the realities of daily life and motivated his continued growth. What stood out most to me was the powerful community created by the staff. I sensed that my son felt safe, supported, and a part of something larger than himself. Foundation House community provided a priceless opportunity for my son to take charge of his life. Thank you! Diane S. Chicago, Illinois Parent of Foundation House Resident 2012

“Powerful community created by the staff”

Foundation House provided my son with just what he needed. He moved in following 2 months in wilderness therapy where he had reset himself both physically and spiritually. Then Foundation House experience perfectly supported his transition back into the realities of daily life and motivated his continued growth. What stood out most to me was the powerful community created by the staff. I sensed that my son felt safe, supported, and a part of something larger than himself. Foundation House community provided a priceless opportunity for my son to take charge of his life. Thank you!

Words cannot really express how grateful I feel every day that Nathan and I were led to Foundation House. At the end of Nathan’s stay in the wilderness in January 2011, I was guided to find an extended care program for him. I was told by the people who knew better than I that this would be his best chance for success. Nathan’s sobriety was so fragile and the structure he’d need was more than I could provide. We had many options on extended care facilities, in the end Nathan chose Foundation House. We both had no idea what to expect. Nathan was a resident at Foundation House for 11 months. Your staff guided Nathan with love and provided the structure that Nathan needed. The road was not always smooth but the growth was noticeable every month and I continued to trust them. Nathan is nearing 2 years of sobriety and I see him growing and happier than I’ve ever known him to be. Nathan remains in Portland, living, working, and staying connected with his Foundation House family. That is what Foundation House has become for him. A few members of your staff have become the positive male role models in his life that Nathan has always needed. My life has changed because of Foundation House. I am able to let go, knowing that Nathan is in good hands and I’ve done everything I could do to support Nathan in his recovery. I think I can share one story that Nathan told me about a friend who decided to move back home after spending time in Portland after leaving Foundation House. Patrick called Nathan’s friend to let him know if he ever needed help to call and Patrick would help him in any way that he could. These are the people of Foundation House. They genuinely care about our children and want more than anything to see them succeed. Finally, while trying to decide whether to send Nathan to an after-care program, the money was an issue for me as a single mother. It was very stressful knowing that there were no guarantees on how my son would do. I really believe that the environment in Portland and Foundation House specifically gave my son the tools, love, and acceptance that he needed. For the rest of my life, I will be grateful for having the courage to send Nathan to Foundation House and that Nathan had the courage to say yes when he was not sure at all that he wanted to go. Laura Chicago, Illinois Parent of Foundation House Resident 2012

“Words cannot really express how grateful I feel”

Words cannot really express how grateful I feel every day that Nathan and I were led to Foundation House. At the end of Nathan’s stay in the wilderness in January 2011, I was guided to find an extended care program for him. I was told by the people who knew better than I that this would be his best chance for success. Nathan’s sobriety was so fragile and the structure he’d need was more than I could provide. We had many options on extended care facilities, in the end Nathan chose Foundation House. We both had no idea what to expect. Nathan was a resident at Foundation House for 11 months. Your staff guided Nathan with love and provided the structure that Nathan needed. The road was not always smooth but the growth was noticeable every month and I continued to trust them. Nathan is nearing 2 years of sobriety and I see him growing and happier than I’ve ever known him to be.

Nathan remains in Portland, living, working, and staying connected with his Foundation House family. That is what Foundation House has become for him. A few members of your staff have become the positive male role models in his life that Nathan has always needed.

My life has changed because of Foundation House. I am able to let go, knowing that Nathan is in good hands and I’ve done everything I could do to support Nathan in his recovery.

I think I can share one story that Nathan told me about a friend who decided to move back home after spending time in Portland after leaving Foundation House. Patrick called Nathan’s friend to let him know if he ever needed help to call and Patrick would help him in any way that he could. These are the people of Foundation House. They genuinely care about our children and want more than anything to see them succeed.

Finally, while trying to decide whether to send Nathan to an after-care program, the money was an issue for me as a single mother. It was very stressful knowing that there were no guarantees on how my son would do. I really believe that the environment in Portland and Foundation House specifically gave my son the tools, love, and acceptance that he needed. For the rest of my life, I will be grateful for having the courage to send Nathan to Foundation House and that Nathan had the courage to say yes when he was not sure at all that he wanted to go.

During family week of our son’s wilderness treatment program we were informed that aftercare was necessary for him to continue his sober life. Never did we think that the recommendation for him would be at Foundation House in Portland, Maine of all places-about as far as you can get from Arizona. After researching and then visiting Portland and meeting some of your staff, we knew that Portland was a fit for our son. It was important to us as parents that he re-enter sober life surrounded by positive role models that include the morals and values in which we believed. From the moment our son stepped off the plane, Foundation House was committed to his future. They truly care about the young man within, his gifts and talents, and through their process provided him with a safe environment to experience and be open to the feelings of sobriety. He was not alone in the new changes and choices he made for himself. At Foundation House he learned to respect himself and others, be accountable for his actions and desire the discipline it takes to work, volunteer and return to his education. Patrick and the staff champion each young man in their program to be the best they can be whatever their pursuit. Our son entered Foundation House in early sobriety embracing the recovery tools he learned in the wilderness, open to the foundation and principles offered in his new surroundings and today chooses to remain in Portland, Maine. We see that he is grateful for the sober life he leads, living on his own, going to a college of his choice on scholarship, working part time, and participating in sports he loves. He has a confidence, self worth, integrity and strong character about him we have never seen before. We believe that Foundation House provided him the opportunities that allowed him the humility, growth and gratitude that makes him the amazing man he is today. As parents, we received support and encouragement from Patrick and the staff at Foundation House every step of the way during his stay and the recovery process for ourselves was eased by their constant feedback and communication. We believe that our son will continue to remain involved with the young men at Foundation House and give back just as those gave to him. We are grateful for all that you do. Warmest regards, Diane and Steve N. Phoenix, Arizona Parents of Foundation House Resident 2010-2011

“Grateful for all that you do”

During family week of our son’s wilderness treatment program we were informed that aftercare was necessary for him to continue his sober life. Never did we think that the recommendation for him would be at Foundation House in Portland, Maine of all places-about as far as you can get from Arizona. After researching and then visiting Portland and meeting some of your staff, we knew that Portland was a fit for our son. It was important to us as parents that he re-enter sober life surrounded by positive role models that include the morals and values in which we believed. From the moment our son stepped off the plane, Foundation House was committed to his future. They truly care about the young man within, his gifts and talents, and through their process provided him with a safe environment to experience and be open to the feelings of sobriety. He was not alone in the new changes and choices he made for himself. At Foundation House he learned to respect himself and others, be accountable for his actions and desire the discipline it takes to work, volunteer and return to his education.

Patrick and the staff champion each young man in their program to be the best they can be whatever their pursuit. Our son entered Foundation House in early sobriety embracing the recovery tools he learned in the wilderness, open to the foundation and principles offered in his new surroundings and today chooses to remain in Portland, Maine. We see that he is grateful for the sober life he leads, living on his own, going to a college of his choice on scholarship, working part time, and participating in sports he loves. He has a confidence, self worth, integrity and strong character about him we have never seen before. We believe that Foundation House provided him the opportunities that allowed him the humility, growth and gratitude that makes him the amazing man he is today.

As parents, we received support and encouragement from Patrick and the staff at Foundation House every step of the way during his stay and the recovery process for ourselves was eased by their constant feedback and communication. We believe that our son will continue to remain involved with the young men at Foundation House and give back just as those gave to him. We are grateful for all that you do.

After twelve months in a highly regarded long-term facility in New Jersey, our 22 year old son still required a supervised but supportive program in his recovery and induction into independent living. He was referred to Foundation House in Maine and, after spending six months there, he remains committed to his sobriety, accepts accountability and responsibility, and expresses gratitude and appreciation in his new life. In our opinion, the city of Portland, the staff and philosophy of the program and the camaraderie of the residents are the salient ingredients in this crucial transition. More specifically, Portland is an attractive, vibrant and accessible city with many opportunities and amenities. Through their own experiences, Patrick and his staff invariably provided genuine comfort, insightful knowledge and prudent strategies for inquiring parents like ourselves. Lastly, the culture and fellowship of the residents themselves generated sincere, beneficial and reinforcing bonds among these men who are pursuing sobriety. As loving and diligent parents we acknowledge the ongoing perils of this disease but we have grown hopeful, grateful, and optimistic about the progress of our son. Thus, we recognize, thank, and compliment Foundation House as a critical “step” in this lifelong mission of recovery. Kathy and Joe P New Jersey Parents of Foundation House Resident 2010

“Sincere, beneficial and reinforcing bonds”

After twelve months in a highly regarded long-term facility in New Jersey, our 22 year old son still required a supervised but supportive program in his recovery and induction into independent living. He was referred to Foundation House in Maine and, after spending six months there, he remains committed to his sobriety, accepts accountability and responsibility, and expresses gratitude and appreciation in his new life.

In our opinion, the city of Portland, the staff and philosophy of the program and the camaraderie of the residents are the salient ingredients in this crucial transition. More specifically, Portland is an attractive, vibrant and accessible city with many opportunities and amenities. Through their own experiences, Patrick and his staff invariably provided genuine comfort, insightful knowledge and prudent strategies for inquiring parents like ourselves. Lastly, the culture and fellowship of the residents themselves generated sincere, beneficial and reinforcing bonds among these men who are pursuing sobriety.

As loving and diligent parents we acknowledge the ongoing perils of this disease but we have grown hopeful, grateful, and optimistic about the progress of our son. Thus, we recognize, thank, and compliment Foundation House as a critical “step” in this lifelong mission of recovery.